Phra Maha Dhatu Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri Pagoda and Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park

Sawasdee khràp everyone!

  Last Saturday, we had the pleasure to visit Doi Inthanon National Park on one of our free days.  Our group decided it would be a lot of fun to explore the natural world and see a few breathtaking pagodas.  We first started from Chiang Mai and drove roughly a couple of hours in the van to get the national park.  Once inside the park, we were able to take the van all the way to the top of the peak.  The top of the mountain is the tallest point in Thailand.  Upon arriving back to the hotel, I read a little more on the park finding out that it was made in honor of King Inthawichayanon who was the last king of Chiang Mai with his reign ending in 1897.  His daughter when on to become Rama V’s princess consort.  King Inthawichayanon was very much interested in the preservation of the Thai mountain forest.  Upon his death, he ordered that his remains were to be kept at Doi Luang.   There was a small hiking trail on a raised wooden walkway.  It was a lot of fun than walking around a trail that educated the hikers about the different flora in the area.  The hike was very enjoyable but at times I wondered the sturdiness of the wood planks.  Luckily, there were no issues. 

After reaching the peak we went down to two pagodas or chedis.  The pagodas were beautiful and I have included many photos but unfortunately, they don’t quite do the site justice.  The chedis were built to honor the 60^th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) in 1987 and Queen Sirikit’s 60^th birthday in 1992.  They are absolutely gorgeous and house impressive statues of the Buddha.    

     I thoroughly enjoyed the national park for its wonderful forest and beautiful pagodas.  On a side note on top of the mountain has been the only place in Thailand I haven't been sweating at rest.  I also heard one of the tour guides for another group commenting on how weird it is to the Thai that tourists are okay wearing shorts and a t-shirt on the mountaintop during winter.  To each their own.  I still believe it is wicked hot during their winter months.
     Lastly, we visited Wachirathan Waterfall which was majestic and very beautiful to see.  I enjoyed the waterfalls the noise of the water falling down the cliff was very relaxing and I enjoyed a small hike up to the top of the waterfall.  By the end, I was drenched in sweat but it was fun to walk through the forest and follow the waterfall uphill. 

As always Thank you for reading

-IM

 

Statue of the Buddha in one of the chedis